Language Specialist 1 (800062)

What we do

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) works worldwide to provide protection and humanitarian assistance to people affected by conflict and armed violence. We take action in response to emergencies and, at the same time, promote respect for international humanitarian law. We are an independent and neutral organization, and our mandate stems essentially from the Geneva Conventions of 1949. We work closely with National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies and with their International Federation in order to ensure a concerted, rational and rapid humanitarian response to the needs of the victims of armed conflict or any other situation of internal violence. We direct and coordinate the international activities conducted in these situations.

Purpose

The Language Specialist 1 helps the ICRC communicate clearly and consistently by providing translation services from one or more languages into their mother tongue and/or editing services in their mother tongue.

Accountabilities & Functional responsibilities

• Translates from one or more languages into their mother tongue* and/or edits in their mother tongue a wide range of ICRC texts, within agreed deadlines, ensuring high quality and appropriate terminology. Is revised by more senior colleagues.
• May advise colleagues from other parts of the organization on linguistic issues.
• Gets involved in ad hoc or ongoing projects (e.g. terminology).
• Uses and suggests updates to terminology tools.
• Proactively collaborates with external translators when volumes require extra resources.
• Advises on sensitivities regarding the use of national languages in the delegations. *In some field locations translators may translate into and out of their mother tongue.

Desired profile and skills

• Strongly motivated by humanitarian work
• Able to work under pressure in a potentially dangerous environment

Our operational & field constraints

• In line with the principle of neutrality, the ICRC does not assign personnel to a country of which they are nationals
• Candidates must be in good health and will have to do a medical check-up prior to departure in the field
• Candidates must possess a driving license (for manual transmission vehicles)
• Candidates must be prepared to accept unaccompanied postings (i.e. no spouse, partner, children or dependents) for at least the first 24 months

What we offer

• Rewarding work in a humanitarian and multicultural environment
• A two-week orientation course and other opportunities for further in-house training
• Attractive social benefits
• Length of assignment:24 months
• Join an ICRC talent pool and be considered for future assignments elsewhere

Additional information

Application deadline: 10/11/2024

Our Values

At the ICRC, we value impact, collaboration, respect, and compassion. We seek candidates who demonstrate behaviors based on these shared values. For more information on the ICRC values, please visit this page.

People management responsibilities: No

Scope & Impact

• Works on a wide range of documents and publications.
• Contributes to developing the terminology used by the ICRC in its public communication.
• Contributes to achieving delegations' objectives at the national level.

Relationships

• Internally, interacts across the organization with all internal "clients" who request language services.
• Externally, interacts with the network of freelance editors and translators.

Certifications / Education required

• University degree in translation or professional language skills from a recognized academic institution or equivalent
• Mother tongue in the required language
• Excellent writing skills in their mother tongue
• For translators: Advanced knowledge of French and/or English, other languages (especially Spanish) an asset
• IT proficiency and knowledge of CAT tools (particularly Trados and terminology tools)

Professional Experience required

• 3–5 years' experience in translation or editing (preferably in an international organization)
• for translators, editing experience an asset
• knowledge of international law or related fields

Language

• Arabic
• English

Competencies

• ICRC & IHL terminology
• Translation